BETHANY, Okla.—Southern Nazarene University is proud to partner with NCAA Division II to celebrate the annual DII Day, held February 22nd (2-22) each year.

DII Day is an opportunity for all individuals associated with Division II to celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on their campus and community with the goal of building a greater awareness and understanding of Division II athletics.

In honor of DII Day 2023, Southern Nazarene hosted a Coaches Panel Discussion to help students learn about networking, finding a job following graduation, and even breaking into coaching. Discussions were led by Westmoore High School Women's Basketball Coach, and former SNU Women's Basketball assistant coach, Abby Chafey, as well as former Star Spencer Head Football Coach, and current SNU Football Assistant Head Coach, Kenneth West.

SNU also celebrates numerous service projects that teams have participated in this year. In the fall of 22', SNU teams completed 1,701 hours of community service.

Here's what some current and former SNU student-athletes had to say about being a part of Division II:

I chose Division II because of the flexibility it gave me being a student and an athlete. I was able to compete at a high level athletically while still maintaining my academics -Madeline Lynch (Volleyball)

What I enjoy most about being a DII student-athlete is the ability to have a balanced education and athletic career. The small school feeling is great! I get to enjoy the feeling of a smaller, yet closer college community. I love that I get to create great relationships with faculty, staff, and mentors at the D2 level -Carlos Zepeada (Football)

I always knew that I didn't want to go to a big school.  I was never drawn to the idea of a big campus with a bunch of unfamiliar faces. Playing collegiate soccer had always been a dream for me, but when I reached my sophomore year of high school, my desire to play at a DI school started to decline. I began to think about DII and the benefits it would have on my campus interactions, academics, and soccer commitments. When I came to SNU and was introduced to the community there, I knew it would feel like home. After spending the last 2.5 years playing DII soccer at SNU, I know I made the right decision and I wouldn't have it any other way. -Kaitlyn Deaton (Women's Soccer)

I will never forget the time we beat our rivals in a five-set match on senior night. It felt like we won the national championship. All of our friends, classmates, and fans surrounded us with hugs on the court. -Kayla Thomas (Volleyball Alum) 

I found that DII was the perfect balance for me academically, socially, and athletically. I'm able to still play basketball at a high level, while also having the benefit of smaller classes. I love the feeling of belonging to a college community where everyone knows your name. -Emily Monaghan (Women's Basketball)

I would say overall my favorite memory is building and making relationships with those other guys and coaches on the team, but a big time favorite memory of mine was senior year, being an underdog in a game and ended up beating the team on their homecoming. -Jaren Alvarado  (Football)

I chose to play at SNU and the DII level because I wanted to make an impact right away and help my team do what it takes to win. -Gage Porter

Southern Nazarene is a proud member of NCAA DII and excited to celebrate our student-athletes, coaches, and all our administrators who work to make an impact within DII on the campus and in the community.